About Us

Kim Leister

President

[email protected]
P: 404-524-2812

Kim launched her career in public relations and marketing, but always knew her love was retail and owning her own local shop. After a successful run as a local shop owner, she then went on to be a Sales Rep and eventually - with business partner Amy McKnight, purchased the Agency they worked for. Going back to her public relations and marketing roots, the Agency got a new name, new look, new perspective and Knack was born. In 2020, Knack merged with Simblist to grow and expand both businesses. Kim’s absolute love for the industry and all that it encompasses drive her to create an environment of positivity and success for all involved.

Amy McKnight

Director of Sales

[email protected]
P: 404-524-2812

Amy began her career as a Buyer for White House Black Market and went on to be the top Sales Rep for a Sales Agency in the Mid-Atlantic. Amy then joined forces with Kim Leister and purchased the Agency - changing the name to Knack and ultimately modernizing and growing the business to answer today's needs. Growing up in retail, Amy has an uncanny ability to understand customers and vendors alike for long-term partnership and success.

Ellen Abbott

• Delaware
• Eastern Maryland
• Virginia Beach

[email protected]
410-251-0143

Ellen brings to her job 10 years of experience as a buyer for South Moon Under and we are so lucky that she is on our team. She consistently meets and exceeds all sales goals and her customers love her. It does help that she seems to know and be connected to everyone in her territory! A mom to two great kids and wife, Ellen is our social butterfly. She knows everyone and everyone knows her – in the best way.

Cheryl Black

• Alabama
• Florida Panhandle
• Mississippi

[email protected]
P: (205) 515-5010 F: (205) 449-5243

Cheryl began her career working in the banking industry with her Father. Their customer base was mostly community banks – local business. Cheryl always had a love for shopping. We all know good shoppers make great Sales Reps! Becoming a Rep for Simblist with her financial experience and shopping expertise made it a no brainer. Cheryl sees her job as not only an opportunity to work with shops that she has always loved, but also as helping communities stay afloat through servicing independent business. Spending time with family and friends is always the first thing Cheryl chooses to do. She is always up for an adventure and loves being outside any day of the week.

Jenni Chambers

• Central & West Florida

[email protected]
P: (239) 440-1111 F: (813) 220-2022

Jenni has a long history of working with small business owners. Prior to Simblist, she was the Director of Operations for a 250 unit franchise chain based out of Atlanta. It is perhaps that background that drives her to work with customers on all aspects of their business. You will always hear her asking, "What is working for you? What other things are you looking to fill your shop with?” She believes in partnering with her customers to bring the best to their local market. Jenni is "Dog Mom" to Finney and Truvy Jones (the cutest little Bichpoos you ever did see). She and her husband love travelling and she is a "recreational competitive" tennis player.

Amanda Duensing

• Tennessee

[email protected]
P: (615) 228-4918 F: (615) 228-4001

Amanda came straight to Simblist from college. She grew up going to the Atlanta Apparel Mart, as her Father was a Sales Rep - so working in this industry is natural for her. Amanda feels passionately about helping customers curate buys that are perfect for their individual shops. She loves the long lasting friendships with the Simblist team, vendors, buyers and store owners that she has made. The inspiration she feels from them is the foundation for her business. When Amanda isn't working, she loves spending time being active, exploring nature, travelling, experimenting in the kitchen and most importantly planning and taking new adventures with her children.

Tatiana Faust Pollara

• Southeast Coast Florida

[email protected]
P: (813) 690-5081 F: (866) 504-4825

Tatiana is totally driven and detail oriented. Both are skills that are a must in the industry. Prior to coming to Simblist, Tatiana was a Buyer for a children's store. Simblist actually serviced the shop and when she moved to Miami, we were lucky enough to have her become a part of our Team. Tatiana is amazing at putting stories together for customers to bring them success in their shops. She loves what she does and it shows. When she isn't working, Tatiana loves spending time with her family, reading, practicing yoga and travelling.

Marianne Keenan

• Eastern & Central Pennsylvania

[email protected]
610-505-2349

With a master's degree in education, Marianne uses this to teach customers about product. Marianne originally came to us to represent one line and now she is a full time Sales Rep for our complete line package. We are always amazed at Marianne's ability to take every lead and make them a customer. Her enthusiasm and never-quit attitude make her our fastest growing Rep. Mom to three and wife, Marianne is also a die-hard tennis competitor.

Annette Klaus

• New Jersey

[email protected]
609-351-3414

Annette is no stranger to our industry. She has been an Independent Rep and Principal for more than 20 years. New Jersey is her home state, and she knows it inside and out. Being a NJ resident and working the territory for so many years, Annette has long standing relationships and friendships that have allowed her to be a success in the business. Annette cares about her customers and loves bringing them product that is best fit for them. Annette is married with two sons (20) and (22). She says the love of her life is her rescue cockapoo CeeLo Green (but don’t tell the rest of her family that). When Annette isn’t working she loves cooking, going to the beach and getting into Shenanigans with her friends.

Melissa Lloyd

• Western Pennsylvania
• West Virginia

[email protected]
412-527-1569

Melissa is a seasoned Sales Rep. Not only does she bring an expert level of product knowledge to her customers, she also understands being a vendor. For many years Melissa owned her own Company (Philosopots). She participated in Market as a vendor, visited her customers across the country and even did live demos of how her product was made. She knows what her customers need and also knows the little things a vendor can do help improve and sell their product. Her diverse experience in the industry is a huge asset to all she encounters. Melissa has two grown daughters, enjoys time with family and friends and is our resident "zoom" expert!

Liz O'Mara

• Atlanta, East & Coastal Georgia
• Asheville Area & Western North Carolina
• Greenville Area & Northern South Carolina

[email protected]
P: (404) 325-8305 F: (866) 313-0731

Liz has the longest tenure out of all of our Simblist Reps. She started in the industry as an Assistant Manager at Crate and Barrel, went on to be a Buyer for Ferragamo and has even been on the shipping side packing product - but we will let her tell that story. Over the years, the relationships she has developed with customers and vendors have turned into wonderful friendships. She believes the Simblist Family is a very special team that lifts one another up and supports each other both personally and professionally. She is very grateful to represent amazing vendors and sell product that she personally enjoys. Liz loves going on family vacations, listening to music, is a die hard foodie and especially enjoys spending time with her grandnieces and nephews.

Kirstyn Roberts

• Washington, DC
• Western Maryland
• Central & Northern Virginia

[email protected]
201-452-1584

Kirstyn is a “senior” member of our team. However, she is the youngest – lucky her! Kirstyn was formerly a Sales Manager and brings a great understanding to both sides of the business. She is consistently a top selling Sales Rep for our team and we always receive feedback from her customers that they love working with her. She is committed to our vendors and to her customer’s success. She also loves numbers and a big goal. Kirstyn is the perfect dog mom to her rescue mix PJ. Lucky PJ to have landed Kirstyn as his owner! A great lover of the outdoors, Kirstyn can be found sailing, running or just spending time outside.

Laura Skinner

• Northern Florida
• Atlanta West & Southern Georgia
• Highlands & Cashiers Area North Carolina

[email protected]
P: (770) 390-9047 F: (770) 390-9049

Laura has amazing insight on product and people and that is not surprising - she has a long history in our industry. She began as a buyer for Macy’s, went on to work in finance and spent several years in New York and Atlanta working part time with a division of Christian Dior. However, her longest history is in sales with Simblist – lucky us. Laura brings her extended experience to her customers every day – many of which have become dear friends. Laura is blessed with two beautiful grandchildren and in her spare time she loves focusing her attention on them.

Ashley Stanley

• Northeast Coast South Carolina
• Central, Coastal & East Mountains North Carolina

[email protected]
P: (919) 787-2050 F: (919) 787-2009

It is no surprise that Ashley began her career in teaching. Being a Sales Rep is also about educating and she is amazing at it. Ashley went on to be a Retail Manager for a large chain, dabbled in Interior Design and ending up working at a small furniture shop before coming to Simblist. Over the years Ashley’s customers have become friends and she loves bringing them product that she too loves. Ashley loves spending time with her family – especially watching her son play sports, going to the gym, reading, cooking and walking the family dog.

Michele Smith

• Central & Southern South Carolina

[email protected]
P: (717) 676-8441

Michele has 25+ years in sales operations and product management. Her vast knowledge of the regional & national marketplace coupled with decisive leadership skills have consistently maximized growth opportunities for a diverse set of companies and products. Michele is passionate about the gift industry and sales. Relationships with her customers are top priority, and by constantly seeking ways to provide service and mutually beneficial programs, she lays the foundation for the long-term relationships with her accounts. Michele enjoys decorating, cooking, listening to music and spending time with her family!